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US deportation policy leaves migrant in critical condition
13 Jan
Summary
- A man deported from the US returned in a vegetative state.
- His family was unaware of his critical condition until August.
- He died five weeks after returning to Costa Rica.
A 52-year-old man deported from the United States to Costa Rica in September 2025 was found to be in a vegetative state upon his return. He had been detained by immigration officials after crossing the US-Mexico border. His family, who last spoke with him in June 2025, was unaware of his deteriorating health until August.
His sister described his return as horrifying, noting he was unresponsive, covered in ulcers, and a stark contrast to the healthy man who had left. Medical records indicated a severe decline, with conditions like sepsis and toxic encephalopathy. His family is seeking accountability for the lack of communication and alleged mistreatment.
Immigration officials stated he was hospitalized for psychosis and received care, which they described as potentially the best many detainees receive. However, his family denies any prior history of mental illness and questions the circumstances leading to his grave condition and subsequent death on October 26, 2025.
